Base seats for track use?

[rattler843]

Hey all!
I’m was initially sold on the Recaro seats since I plan to be tracking the DH on a semi-frequent basis (every couple months or so), but this would require me to place a custom order since none of the builds at my local dealerships have the exact specs I want. I did find ONE local build that has everything I want EXCEPT the Recaros. What are your guys’ opinion on the base seats? Do they provide enough lateral support for spirited/track driving or should I just hold out until I can get one with the Recaro’s?

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[LouG]

I find the stock seats fine for fast road driving. But, because I'm not a big guy (5' 7" 79kgs), I think they would lack support for track use.
It may be different with a broader back.

 

[rattler843]

I find the stock seats fine for fast road driving. But, because I'm not a big guy (5' 7" 79kgs), I think they would lack support for track use.
It may be different with a broader back.

Hm I have a pretty slim build as well (5’8” 155lb/70kg) and I don’t want to be sliding around too much while cornering. Decisions, decisions…

 

[Katastrophe]

For what it's worth, I'm 5'8 and built athletically at 170lbs.

I didn't really dig the Recaros very much in the S550 GT and M1 (haven't driven an S650 in anger, yet) for overall comfort OR lateral support. They were better than base, yes, but not as much as I would've hoped. For comparion, the GT350R Recaro seats that I tried out were LEAGUES better. So much so, that it's a shame they aren't offered at all. No doubt some of the difference would have come from the material as well...the GT/PP Recaros in the S550 were full leather, while the GT350R had Alcantara.

If possible, try and find some to sit in...even though we are both 5'8, our builds can be completely different...limb length, torso length, etc...these are all major factors. One size most definitely does not fit all.

Keep in mind, depending on how often you want to hit the track, you could also consider getting an aftermarket seat just for track days. It is an extra hassle for the average person to swap in and out, of course, but it's a viable option depending on how serious/fast you are.

 

[derklink_2]

I have an S550 M1 with the “sofa seats”. Not good for track use at all but installed a 4-point Schroth harness and it’s actually pretty decent. If you track your DH regularly, I’d go for Recaros plus harness for sure

 

[krisk]

I can’t speak to the Recaros, but the base seats aren’t good for track use. If you’re going to track it once a year, then it won’t be that big of a deal, but if you are tracking regularly it gets old quickly. I tracked with the base seats in mine and every track day the outsides of both knees were bruised from using them to brace myself against the door and console to keep from sliding around. I even used a clip to lock the 3 point harness and I still had to hold myself in place. I imagine the Schroth Quick Fit 4 point harness would help, but it’s still not going to be a racing seat. I also imagine the Recaros are better, but how much I don’t know how much. I swapped out mine for fixed back racing seats and harness, and it makes a huger difference in comfort on track.

 

[Billycar11]

your supposed to push off the dead pedal to lock yourself in the seat
and ill say this swapping to Recaros from comfort heated and cooled seats is alot easier then swapping to comfort seats and making all the stuff work like heated and cooling functions.
the Recaros are overrated if you ask me i purposely ordered my car without them. and like i said its an easy swap

 

[Kevi]

Probably better off getting the heated cooled seats and just buying one racing seat/harness. You'll have better resale value and can pull all the seats out when you go to the track. Save money and weight.

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